Participants have been praising the Cop28 agreement finalized in Dubai in the early hours of 13 December for its inclusion of a commitment to “transitioning away from fossil fuels in energy systems, in a just, orderly and equitable manner.” UN Secretary General Antonio Guterres hailed the development after similar efforts were blocked at previous Cop events. “To those who opposed a clear reference to a phaseout of fossil fuels in the COP28 text, I want to say that a fossil fuel phase out is inevitable whether they like it or not. Let’s hope it doesn’t come too late.”
UN Climate Change Executive Secretary Simon Stiell in his closing speech added that “Whilst we didn’t turn the page on the fossil fuel era in Dubai, this outcome is the beginning of the end.” Ultimately all parties came away from the discussion with concrete achievements they can point to – for the US and EU, the reference to transitioning away from fossil fuels is a momentous development. For producers, the inclusion of carbon capture technology is key, while the statement that “transitional fuels can play a role in facilitating the energy transition while ensuring energy security,” has been interpreted as an approval of the continued role of natural gas. (CONTINUED - 268 WORDS)